Phillips Armstrong launched his campaign for state representative of the 183rd Legislative District Jan. 28 before an enthusiastic crowd at Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club, Northampton.

“If you want to make a difference, you have to make an impact,” he told supporters.

Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. introduced Armstrong at the campaign opener.

Armstrong, president of Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat currently held by state Rep. Julie Harhart.

She has announced she will not seek re-election.

Armstrong thanked Harhart for her 20 years as a state representative for the 183rd district.

Armstrong told the crowd that when he spoke to his wife, Annette, about whether he should run for the office, Armstrong said she replied, “Yes, it’s always been your dream.”

“My experience in life has led me to this point,” Armstrong said.

As a retired educator and coach for 40 years in the Whitehall-Coplay School District, Armstrong said, “Too many in Harrisburg have forgotten about making a difference, and as a result, they’ve failed the people who sent them there in the first place.”

Armstrong said he will cross the aisle to Republicans in order to get legislation and the budget accomplished.

“That has got to stop,” Armstrong said of the stalemate now going on in Harrisburg. “Education will be a major issue of mine.” Jobs and economic growth were also mentioned as important issues in Armstrong’s campaign.

Conceding Harrisburg is broken, Armstrong said, “President Teddy Roosevelt said in order to make changes, you have to carry a big stick.” Then stepping aside, Armstrong brought out the walking stick he uses when he goes out to walk on trails.

“In Harrisburg, my first priority will always be the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, not a political ideology,” he said.

“I work with both Democrats and Republicans in order to pass a realistic budget and address our commonwealth’s most promising issues.”

The primary election is April 26.

The 183rd Legislative District includes the townships of Allen and Lehigh; Moore Township districts of Beersville and Klecknersville; North Catasauqua Borough; Northampton Borough; Walnutport Borough; Whitehall Township districts 7, 10 and 11; Slatington Borough; South Whitehall Township districts 5, 6 and 8; and Washington Township.